Women in Music

There are various challenges female musicians face, such as lack of representation, sexism and sexual harassment, issues connected to child care and maternity rights. Navigating the music industry as a woman has it’s specific challenges.

Guidance & advice

Sample Policy

Menopause at Work

A template to help employers in the music sector support people experiencing symptoms of the menopause.

Maternity, Adoption and Parental Rights at Work

Guidance pack on pay, leave and other rights at work for musicians who are becoming parents.

Sample policy

Breastfeeding at Work

This sample policy for breastfeeding at work is designed for anyone working in the music sector.

Gender and women's rights in the workplace

Rights of Women

Legal advice and support for women

Parental Grant for MU Members

Grants of £275 are available to both male and female MU members.

Harassment & discrimination

#ProtectFreelancersToo

End Sexual Harassment at Work

Join the call for stronger protections from sexual harassment at work that protect freelancers too.

Report in confidence

MU Safe Space

A safe space for musicians to share instances of sexism, sexual harassment and sexual abuse at work.

Sexual Harassment at Work

Get legal and practical advice on appropriate behaviour at work, find help resources and find out how to develop a Sexual Harassment Policy.

For employers

Music Sector Code of Practice

Find out about our joint music sector code of practice and which music organisations already signed up for it.

Latest news and features

Explore the latest on the issues of gender discrimination in music.

Shot from behind of someone in a cap sat working at a mixing desk in a recording studio.

Have Your say in UK Music’s 2026 Workforce Diversity Survey

UK Music is inviting people working across the music industry to take part in its Workforce Diversity Survey, which aims to identify where further improvements are needed and highlight where positive change is already taking place.

Published: 17 September 2026

Peter Raistrick: Why Musicians and Trade Unionists Must Stand Against the Far Right

In this opinion piece, Peter Raistrick, London Regional Committee member and Young Members' Network activist, reflects on the responsibility of musicians and trade unionists to defend creative freedom, workers' rights and an inclusive society in the face of the growing threat of the far right.

Published: 29 June 2026

Diljeet, sat on stage with the panellists, speaking into a microphone.

Challenging Stereotypes in the Music Industry: MU Panel at Launchpad 2026

At the 2026 Launchpad Conference in Leeds, the MU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Dr Diljeet Bhachu, led a candid panel with Northern artists exploring identity, representation and the experiences of Global Majority and marginalised musicians in the UK music industry.

Published: 08 April 2026

A crowd of protesters at a march. In the middle are matching placard held up that say

MU at Together Alliance March 2026: Largest Anti-Far Right March in UK History

MU members joined thousands who gathered in London on 28 March for the Together Alliance demonstration, in a powerful display of solidarity and resistance to the far right.

Published: 02 April 2026

Bridget Walsh on the Intersection of Music and Climate Justice

From community organising to creative resistance, MU Climate Emergency Action Group co-chair Bridget Walsh explores how climate justice and the struggle against oppression are deeply intertwined - and why that matters this Women’s History Month.

Published: 25 March 2026

Introducing our MU Future Leaders for 2026

The Musicians' Union announces the first cohort of members to take part in our MU Future Leaders activist development programme in 2026.

Published: 23 March 2026

Together Alliance March: Join the MU in the Fight Against the Far Right

Join us on Saturday 28 March for what’s expected to be the UK’s largest anti‑racist march. Find out how to join the MU delegation and explore our new Anti‑Far Right Hub to learn how far‑right movements operate and how to challenge them.

Published: 17 March 2026

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Get support as a woman musician through MU membership

Access our expert music industry advice and services as a woman music artist, whether you are a full-time or part-time music professional, employed, freelance, teaching or recording from home.

Make the most out of MU membership

A wealth of advice and resources for women working in music
Musician-specific healthcare services
Advice on workplace rights and access to a parental grant
Be part of community of women musicians to connect, network and make positive change across the MU and the music industry.

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Get support as a woman musician through MU membership

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